MANZINI- The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has officially unveiled a new mobile sound system valued under the E3.8 million budget allocation announced during last year’s national budget. The unveiling marks a significant milestone for the arts industry, as government moves to strengthen infrastructure and create more opportunities for local creatives.
Investment in Arts Infrastructure
In his opening remarks, ENCAC CEO highlighted that the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs had been allocated E3.8 million for sound equipment and vehicles. While the sound system has now arrived, the council is still awaiting delivery of a mobile stage and vehicles.
“When we requested the sound system, we asked for equipment capable of catering for 5,000 people,” he said. “Some festivals have not yet reached the projected 5,000 attendees, so this system allows us to split the sound simultaneously, meaning it can operate in two different locations at the same time.”
Beyond infrastructure, the CEO announced plans to empower young people through sound engineering training. Selected individuals from the country’s regions will undergo professional training conducted by a South African sound engineering expert. Details of the workshop will be announced soon, with youth encouraged to participate.
Artists Welcome the Development
Artist Sanchieziey expressed gratitude on behalf of fellow musicians, describing the moment as a breakthrough for the creative industry.
“It started with a studio and now we have sound equipment. As an artist, I am wondering what will follow,” he said. “On behalf of artists, I would like to thank the council for answering our prayers. We now have a sound system that we can utilise.”
He noted that artists often struggle to host listening sessions and launch events due to the high cost of hiring professional sound equipment. The new system, he said, would ease those burdens. He urged creatives to use the equipment responsibly to ensure its longevity.
Boost for Regional Festivals and Indigenous Music
Events Association representative Culolam described the unveiling as the realisation of a long-held vision to decentralise festivals and take them to the regions.
“The dream of having festivals in the regions has always echoed during meetings. Now we are going to make that dream come true,” he said.
He added that the new equipment would make it easier to organise regional tours and uncover hidden talent. He cited gospel artist Samkelo Matsetra’s recent travel to Zimbabwe as an example of local talent making strides beyond Eswatini’s borders.
Culolam also welcomed the quality of the equipment, noting that Audiocenter and JBL are internationally recognised brands. He emphasised that indigenous sounds, including traditional instruments such as boMakhoyane, would now be better showcased. He further called on the council to employ a dedicated sound engineer, describing it as a new job opportunity.
Minister Clarifies Budget Concerns
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, saying the sound system would create employment and expand opportunities for artists.
“We do not want this system to be rented out,” the Minister said. “When someone is hosting a festival and has local artists on their line-up who will be paid by the organiser, they should be given the sound system for free.”
He also addressed circulating rumours that part of the E3.8 million budget had been returned to government.
“That is not true, and we condemn these allegations. This is the same money that has given us this sound system,” he clarified.
The Minister urged artists to use and protect the equipment responsibly, noting that government remains committed to creating more opportunities for youth in the arts sector.
Clear Loan Policy Introduced
In his closing remarks, the ENCAC CEO outlined key takeaways from the Minister’s address, including a clear loan policy for accessing the sound system.
Event organisers seeking to borrow the equipment will be required to submit a list of at least 10 local artists who will be sufficiently paid as part of their event line-up. The policy is aimed at ensuring that the system directly benefits local talent.
He reiterated that the E3.8 million allocation was fully utilised in acquiring the equipment, dismissing rumours of any funds being returned.
Sound System Specifications
The newly acquired system includes:
- Sound brand: Audiocenter
- 1 x Allen & Heath SQ7 Mixer with stagebox
- 8 x JBL Monitors
- 8 x Audiocenter Subwoofers
- 12 x Audiocenter Tops
- 10 x Shure SM58 Microphones
- 1 x Driverack
The unveiling signals a new chapter for Eswatini’s creative industry, positioning local artists and event organisers to host professional-standard productions while nurturing talent across the country’s regions.
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